KeyGene advances licensing opportunities in molecular breeding with broad SBG patent

Recently, KeyGene announces publication of United States patent number 8,481,257, protecting methods for large-scale discovery and genotyping of genetic markers. The patented methods utilize restriction enzymes to create and subsequently sequence genome fractions, allowing discovery and scoring of vast amounts of genetic markers in an extremely cost-effective manner. The Sequence Based Genotyping (SBG) methods find widespread use in molecular breeding of plants and animals, and in performing genetic studies in model organisms and other species. The patent expands the broad proprietary technology base of KeyGene's Accelerated Molecular Breeding platform and affirms its leading position as innovator in genome complexity reduction techniques.

"We are excited by the issuance of this patent in a series of proprietary next-generation sequencing applications for plant breeding", states Michiel van Eijk, CSO of KeyGene. "SBG is a strong product in a very competitive field with significant growth potential to accelerate crop improvement using molecular markers. Keygene has a long standing reputation in this field and we are committed to provide our clients and licensees with the finest technologies available via contract research, services and research kits".

For commercial applications of SBG, KeyGene provides licenses and customized technology transfer and support to its licensees. The company recently also launched the SBG-100 kit designed specifically for research applications.